Combining Service Learning with Graduate Education

Abstract

The Department of Civil Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology recently modified its Master of Science program in environmental engineering. The thesis requirement has been replaced with a structured design course with real-world projects that are primarily for nonprofit organizations. The design course was modeled after the undergraduate senior design course within the department. In addition to a quality design experience, students now perform a service for the community. This paper emphasizes the service-learning aspects of the course using a case study of a completed project.